A January 1st article in the Sun-Sentinel of Broward County, Florida, reported on a case in which an employee of a nursing home was arrested on “suspicion of stealing $12,466 from a dementia patient in a Fort Lauderdale facility, according to the Florida Attorney General’s Office”. The article alleges that the accused, with another employee of the nursing home, escorted the patient to a bank on two separate occasions last year to withdraw a total of $11,527. Additionally the patient supposedly made two car payments on behalf of the accused totaling about $939.
The report further states that “the Broward state attorney’s office said Friday it has charged Hanna with two offenses: grand theft from a person 65 or older and exploiting an elderly person.”
In other cases, some caregivers and employees of nursing homes have been charged and convicted of exploiting patients whose mental capabilities were extremely limited. The surrounding media reports naturally incited considerable emotion. And because of the highly-charged nature of these accounts, the media tends to focus very closely through the entire legal process. Sometimes the accused is found guilty by the press and public, long before the trial begins.
A fair trial and a competent defense is the foundation of our legal system. The premise of “innocent until proven guilty” is a mandatory right, regardless of public opinion. In a case like this, the most effective defense representation is absolutely necessary to protect the rights of the accused and to ensure that the truth of the case is fully presented.
H&A, Hassett and Associates, PA, a criminal defense law firm in South Florida, with offices in Davie, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, is fully committed to protecting the legal rights of their clients. According to Kenneth Hassett, “having a criminal defense lawyer to represent you in criminal court is advantageous, especially when charged with serious criminal offenses”.
Ensuring that all facts pertaining to the accused and the case are presented, plus working closely with the prosecuting attorney to bring about a fair judgment, is the fundamental objective of Hassett and Associates.
If you or someone you know have been in a similar legal situation, understand that a serious case like this requires the best possible Fort Lauderdale grand theft attorney for the most thorough representation.
Contact H&A at any one of their three offices in South Florida. The main office phone number is 954-791-3939.
